"Already, we started seeing certain things against Nigeria(1-0 opening win) and today's match was more clear. We showed it also by the score."

As for his comments regarding Platini - who reportedly made negative remarks about him - Maradona revealed that he was misinformed after receiving a letter from the French legend which shed more light on the matter.

He added: "The other day I spoke about Mr Platini.

"Mr Platini sent me a letter saying that he never said what you (the media) told me he said.

"So, through you, I would like to apologise to Mr Platini."

Argentina, seeking a third title after triumphs in 1978 and 1986, could take heart from the performance of substitute Nicolas Burdisso who was outstanding in defence after replacing the injured Walter Samuel in the first half.

The star of the show, though, was Higuain who is the first Argentinian player to score a hat-trick in the World Cup since Gabriel Batistuta scored a treble against Jamaica in 1998.

"It makes me happy to win and to do something for the team," the modest Higuain told reporters. "We deserved to win and we will continue to play in our style."

An own goal from Park Chu-young set the two-time champions on their way, before Higuain doubled their advantage.

But Lee Chung-yong's effort on the stroke of half-time handed the Koreans brief hope, only for Higuain to grab two late goals to maintain Argentina's 100% record in Group B and all but assure their progress to the last 16.

The only blemish for Argentina was conceding a goal just before the interval after a lapse in concentration by Martin Demichelis.

But Maradona said: "Demichelis made a mistake, but I guess the whole team did a top job.

"I have 23 top players in my squad and they're ready to put on the jersey and work on the pitch. We feel great. We are happy and we have peace of mind."